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Suggest Treatment For High Blood Pressure, Headaches, Syncope And Facial Flushing
Question: My resting BP has been steadily increasing over the last several months, until now it is rarely under 145/90, up as high as 155/100 in the evening. I am 60 years old, weigh under 120 lb, exercise regularly, don't smoke, and have been quite healthy. We eat no red meat, avoid salt and focus on fruits, veggies and fish. Along with the blood pressure issue, my resting pulse tends to be rapid (close to 90), and I get weird pressure headaches, transient feeling of passing out (never fall, though), facial flushing and the left side of my neck is swollen (not a lump, just puffy) and aches. I feel better when I exercise. I feel worst in the morning and evening. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend peforming some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to the beginning of arterial hypertension.
Other possible causes (of secondary hypertension) to consider would be:
1- thyroid dysfunction
2- chronic inflammation (like arthritis, etc.)
3- adrenal gland dysfunction.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a cervical spine X ray study for chronic degeneration of the vertebral column
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- thyroid hormone levels
- cortisol plasma levels for adrenal gland dysfunction
- Rheumatoid factor levels
- ANA, XXXXXXX levels to search for a possible connective tissue disorder.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend peforming some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to the beginning of arterial hypertension.
Other possible causes (of secondary hypertension) to consider would be:
1- thyroid dysfunction
2- chronic inflammation (like arthritis, etc.)
3- adrenal gland dysfunction.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a cervical spine X ray study for chronic degeneration of the vertebral column
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- thyroid hormone levels
- cortisol plasma levels for adrenal gland dysfunction
- Rheumatoid factor levels
- ANA, XXXXXXX levels to search for a possible connective tissue disorder.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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